On the afternoon of December 4, 2017, a line of thunderstorms formed in western Missouri and through the rest of the afternoon moved eastward into central Missouri. Several low-topped supercells formed along this line of storms, one of which produced a tornado that did damage to residences between Higbee and Renick, Missouri. The worst of the damage occurred just east of Higbee, where a couple residences were completely destroyed, one of which was a mobile home. One person was critically injured, and another person suffered minor injuries. The tornado lasted about 15 minutes, and eventually dissipated just east of Renick, near the Randolph/Monroe County line.

Radar loop of the storms that went through Randolph County, producing the Higbee to Renick EF-1 tornado on Monday December 4.

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories:

Tornado - LOCATIONCOUNTY NAME

Date

December 4, 2017

Time (Local)

4:54 PM - 5:09 PM CST

EF Rating

EF-1

Est. Peak Winds

100 mph

Path Length

11.2 miles

Max Width

30 yards

Injuries/Deaths

2 Injuries

Summary:

This tornado formed just east of Higbee and just west of Road 2550. The tornado lasted approximately 15 minutes, and traveled a little over 11 miles. The worst of the damage occurred just south of Moberly, near the town of Renick, where a mobile home and a house built into an earthen berm were completely destroyed. Vehicles in the area were also tossed long distances, and several outbuildings were destroyed. The tornado eventually dissipated just west of the Randolph/Monroe County line, just south of Highway M.

Track Map

A mobile home just east of Higbee was overturned and thrown well away from the foundation it was strapped to. The occupant was injured in the tornado.

Image: NWS Storm Survey

A mobile home just east of Higbee was overturned and thrown well away from the foundation it was strapped to. The occupant was injured in the tornado.

Image: NWS Storm Survey

A residence between Higbee and Renick was destroyed as the tornado passed over the house.

Image: Lisa Henneberry

A residence between Higbee and Renick was destroyed as the tornado passed over the house.

Image: Lisa Henneberry

A truck was thrown several hundred yards from its original location.

Image: Lisa Henneberry

A truck was thrown several hundred yards from its original location.

Image: Lisa Henneberry

A brick building near Higbee collapsed from straight line winds just before the tornado formed.

EF0
Weak
65-85 mph

EF1Moderate
86-110 mph

EF2Significant
111-135 mph

EF3Severe
136-165 mph

EF4Extreme
166-200 mph

EF5Catastrophic
200+ mph

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